Distracted Driving Awareness: Make Every April Count

The Importance of Distracted Driving Awareness Month

April is Distracted Driving Awareness Month, a time dedicated to reducing the devastating consequences of distracted driving. This movement is crucial because distracted driving affects individuals, families, and communities on a global scale. By raising awareness, we can all contribute to safer roads.

Sobering Statistics

Every year, distracted driving claims over 3,000 lives, translating to about nine deaths each day. Cell phone use plays a significant role, contributing to 14% of fatal crashes in the United States. Nearly half of the drivers, 47%, admit to texting while driving, and 57% are guilty of adjusting their GPS on the road.

High-Risk Groups

Younger demographics are particularly at risk. Drivers aged 20–39 account for 42% of distracted driving incidents, and teens are involved in 6% of fatal crashes. The challenges faced by these groups include a higher dependence on technology and less experience behind the wheel, making them more vulnerable to distractions.

The Danger of Seconds

Imagine this: at highway speeds, just five seconds of texting is enough to drastically increase the likelihood of a crash. In those five seconds, your car travels the length of a football field, all while you're not looking at the road.

Actionable Steps to Reduce Distracted Driving

• Silence your phone or put it out of reach before you start driving.
• Use hands-free technology to keep your focus on driving, not your phone.
• Put your phone in your trunk and use Bluetooth only.
• Plan your route in advance to avoid last-minute GPS adjustments.
• Educate teens about safe driving practices and the dangers of distractions.

Let’s collectively adopt and model good behavior to create safer driving habits for younger passengers or family members. Distracted driving is preventable, and it’s a shared responsibility to make our roads safer. This April, let’s take immediate steps to change our driving habits and help spread awareness during Distracted Driving Awareness Month. Together, we can make a difference and save lives.

 

Here at Logan, Vance, Sullivan & Kores, we have seen too many people who have been injured by distracted drivers.